The Gloucester County Board of Commissioners, Pennrose, LLC, The Housing Authority of the Borough of Glassboro (GHA), and the Borough of Glassboro celebrated the groundbreaking of the redevelopment of the former Ellis Manor public housing complex.
State and local government officials, administrators, educators, and business leaders were joined by residents, contractors, and staff to applaud the partnership between Glassboro, GHA, Gloucester County and Pennrose that will provide affordable housing to the residents of the community.
“The partnerships across Gloucester County are what makes projects like this possible,” Director Robert M. Damminger said. “Working with these agencies makes living in Gloucester County affordable and accessible for everyone”
“We are very excited to offer units for our seniors and disabled population. Providing newly renovated housing to help families put roots down creates a stronger community, neighborhood and county,” Senate President Steve Sweeney said.
“This is an important step forward in ensuring opportunity for all in our great county,” said Assemblyman Adam Taliaferro. “Projects like these would not be possible without the partnership of the individuals here today. We can’t wait to welcome residents to the County and the Borough of Glassboro.”
Built in early 1960’s, the Ellis Manor buildings were outmoded, and the complex was in dire need of a remodel due to damages. Lincoln Boulevard will be 65 one-story cottages units containing 57 one-bedroom and 8 two-bedroom units. 100% of the units will be affordable to residents at or below 60% of Area Median Income of Gloucester County.
52 of the units at Lincoln Boulevard will be age-restricted for seniors ages 55 and up. Additionally, 13 units will be set-aside for non-age restricted individuals with developmental disabilities, and four units will be set aside for individuals over 55 with developmental disabilities.
100% of the units at Lincoln Boulevard will have their rent supported by GHA project-based vouchers, helping those in the community in need at all levels access this new housing.
“The development team has worked very hard to get to groundbreaking for this much needed affordable housing. We look forward to seeing the completed cottages and, most importantly, welcoming the residents who will occupy them,” Kimberly Gober, Executive Director of the Housing Authority of the Borough of Glassboro said.
“We look forward to working closely with the Board of Commissioners, Borough, Housing Authority and the local community as we take the first step in this exciting redevelopment,” said Jacob Fisher, Regional Vice President at Pennrose. “Plans for the site will transform outdated public housing into a high-quality, affordable and vibrant lifestyle community for families and seniors.”
Lincoln Boulevard residents will be immersed in the Glassboro community. Only a short distance from bustling downtown Glassboro.
“We are excited to partner with the Housing Authority and Pennrose in creating these beautiful, high quality, affordable homes,” said Councilman Andrew Halter. “We intend to continue development of housing throughout Glassboro and partner with other developers looking to build smart, modern housing options.”
“Welcoming families and seniors to Glassboro and Gloucester County will be an amazing moment for the whole county. We are excited to continue to offer opportunities for individuals to experience how great it is to live and work in Gloucester County,” said Deputy Director Frank J. DiMarco, Gloucester County Commissioner Liaison to the GHA and the Housing Authority of Gloucester County, who serves as the managing agent for GHA.
The project is being funded by $1.3 million in Special Needs Housing Trust Funds and a $3.8 million first-mortgage from the New Jersey Housing & Mortgage Finance Agency, a $120,000 HOME loan from Gloucester County, a $530,000 in demo loan funding from the Borough of Glassboro, and $13.5 million in 9% Low-Income Housing Tax Credit Equity, along with a construction loan, provided by Bank of America.
For more information, please visit penrose.com or glassborohousing.org.
